Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone participated in a session titled “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler” during the opening day of the WAVES Summit 2025. Karan Johar moderated this engaging discussion, where SRK made impactful remarks about the ongoing insider-outsider debate in the film industry.
Khan initiated the conversation by expressing his confusion regarding the terms “insider” and “outsider.” He emphasized that it’s not about one’s background, but rather about how determined a person is to carve out a space for themselves in their chosen field. He noted that many individuals hinder their own opportunities by feeling sorry for themselves and assuming they won’t succeed due to their upbringing.
He further stressed, “The world you wish to be part of doesn’t really care about your origins. Regardless of whether you’re from a privileged family or not, your goal should be to understand how to make your mark in that environment.”
Reflecting on his own experience, SRK shared, “When I first entered the industry, I didn’t think of myself as an outsider. I felt right at home. I was welcomed by everyone in the film community, as if I were a long-lost family member.”
Concluding his thoughts, he said that ambition and challenges are just part of the journey. With determination and hard work, anyone can succeed, regardless of their starting point.
This session certainly left an impression, highlighting the powerful messages of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
